Michigan’s Traverse City. According to a Michigan sheriff, the Saturday stabbing of eleven people at a Walmart in Traverse City left six critically injured. The incident seemed to be random. Authorities said they had a suspect in custody.
According to a social media statement from the Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office, a 42-year-old male entered the store at 4:45 p.m. and stabbed 11 persons with a folding knife. Within minutes, a sheriff’s deputy showed up and arrested the man. According to the sheriff’s office, store employees also assisted in capturing the culprit and providing medical attention to the victims.
The ages of the victims were not disclosed right away.
Sheriff Michael Shea told reporters, “Thank God it wasn’t more, but eleven is eleven too many.”
In the parking lot of the shopping mall, which also has a number of other retail establishments, emergency vehicles and first responders in uniform congregated. As the response transitioned into an inquiry, authorities were also observed conducting interviews with staff members in the vicinity, still with blue uniform vests and name tags.
According to Tiffany DeFell, 36, of Honor, which is roughly 25 miles (40 kilometers) from Traverse City, she was in the store’s parking lot when she witnessed mayhem breaking out all around her.
“It was quite frightening. She remarked, “My sister and I were just freaking out.” “This is something that you see in films. Where you live, it’s not what you expected to see.”
On social media, Munson Healthcare said that the largest hospital in the area was treating 11 patients in northern Michigan. According to spokeswoman Megan Brown, everyone was stabbed. Late Saturday, she said, five patients were in serious condition and six were critical.
According to Shea, the weapon in question seemed to be a folding knife. Although she declined to provide any information, Shea stated that the suspect is thought to be a resident of Michigan. Earlier in the day, Michigan State Police had declared that the suspect was under arrest.
“Our thoughts are with the victims and the community reeling from this brutal act of violence,” stated Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
In a statement, Walmart said it will keep up its tight collaboration with law enforcement on the inquiry.
“This kind of violence is not acceptable. We’re grateful for the first responders’ prompt action and our prayers are with the injured,” the statement read.
In a social media post, FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino stated that agency representatives were reacting to “provide any necessary support.”
On the shores of Lake Michigan, Traverse City is a well-liked vacation destination. It is located roughly 25 miles (40 kilometers) east of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and is well-known for its lighthouses, vineyards, and cherry festival.
Copyright 2025 NPR
